CMJuilland

I know you want more info on the K1 visa, but I’ll just second what others have said: my suggestion would be to get married and have him file for a spousal visa. We went the K1 route way back when K1 was actually a lot quicker than CR1, but in hindsight, we would never do this again. It felt like forever for us to get my work permit and advanced parole approved, but back in 2017, it “only” took us about five months. These wait times are a lot longer now. And that’s not even a green card yet. As suggested, I wouldn’t get hung up on the couple of months you *might* shave off with a K1; it really isn’t worth it. Marrying would be relatively easy for you guys assuming that, since he can’t leave the U.S., you are the one usually making the trip. Just have a court house wedding next time you visit, and then file the necessary paperwork. You can plan a reception with all of your family and friends once you have set up shop together. 
Should you still want to pursue the K1, it should be relatively straight forward. The guides on here are very helpful, and the necessary documents needed should be relatively easy to obtain for you in Switzerland (at least that was my experience). 
Best of luck! 

Send same forms back. 
 
Use MO....go to grocery store or USPS and purchase MO. 

Where did you hear that?  I would love to see a link.  It is 100% inaccurate. 

I second what everybody else has said - language skills are key, and it looks like once she masters that, there’s nothing that stands in her way in terms of becoming a citizen. My first career was as a language instructor, and whether you do an intensive program or just a night or two a week, classes and especially conversation practice helps and usually faster than people would think. Based on your profile, you’re in the Baltimore MD area, which should even have some free stuff. I would recommend small classes, preferably with other immigrants of different native languages. Also, improving her English skills doesn’t have to be uniquely geared toward the English portion of her N400 as once her skills are at an adequate level, the N400 part will be quite easy. As a plus, she will be a lot more comfortable when she is in situations where there are no other people with her language background. 
Best of luck, and contact me if you want me to leverage my network to find something around the Baltimore area. 

I second what everybody else has said - language skills are key, and it looks like once she masters that, there’s nothing that stands in her way in terms of becoming a citizen. My first career was as a language instructor, and whether you do an intensive program or just a night or two a week, classes and especially conversation practice helps and usually faster than people would think. Based on your profile, you’re in the Baltimore MD area, which should even have some free stuff. I would recommend small classes, preferably with other immigrants of different native languages. Also, improving her English skills doesn’t have to be uniquely geared toward the English portion of her N400 as once her skills are at an adequate level, the N400 part will be quite easy. As a plus, she will be a lot more comfortable when she is in situations where there are no other people with her language background. 
Best of luck, and contact me if you want me to leverage my network to find something around the Baltimore area. 

Hello to all 
I have been searching here over a year for a result pertaining to my immigration journey and some past experiences helped me out a little. 
 
So let me share my own immigration journey with you guys. My Dad filed for me in 2019 and I got approved in 2020, due to submitting some incorrect documents my case finally got documentary qualified in November 2022. I was already 22 that year but because my dad is a US citizen so I was cover by the CSPA. 
I waited for an appointment for a year plus and still didn’t get one in my country (Liberia) so I came across this woman who  transfer cases to Sierra Leone because Sierra Leone is so fast, I trusted her with my case and she did the transfer in December 19 2023 and within in two weeks I got interview appointment which was on January 2 2024. 
My interview was scheduled for February 1, 2024. She booked my medical appointment at AMI hospital in Sierra Leone and told me to go Sierra Leone, since my country is bordering Sierra Leone I went by road and I had to fix a license paisser  at the border for around usd $3 dollars. My medical was on January 15, 2024 but went 3days before that time. 
 
I did the medical that Monday
I took with me my Immunization records, yellow book and road to health records and Covid 19 certificate. 
 
So I did the medical that day 
I did the following 
Syphilis test 
Gonorrhea test 
They took my urine 
Blood test 
Physical 
And chest Xray 
I took only one vaccine that day since I have already take some before.
 
I paid around usd $500usd 
 
After the medical I was told to pick up my Vaccination record in 7days and that my medical records will be sent to the embassy, so I decided to come back to my country after spending 5days in Freetown and put some documents together and to get my new police certificate. 
 
When I got back Liberia I received a call after three (3days) from the lady that transferred my case saying I should go back Freetown ASAP she said the hospital said that they saw infection on my chest and I should go redo my chest xray again. 
 
So I went back on January 26, 2024 and I was told by one doctor that if they see anything on my chest again I will have to undergo sputum test and it was going to last for 2months, I got so afraid and worried. I paid additional US $32 for new xray. I fasted for three days and pray to God, they said they will call back if anything goes wrong I was so worried and I told God that there should be none and after 3days I went back to the hospital and the lady smile with me and Said everything was good and my medical was sent to the embassy already , I was so happy and started singing praises to God while on my way home.
 
After two days was my interview day 🥰
I was so nervous and worried imagine being in another country and passing through all this. my body loss weight. 
 
 
But before going for my interview I had this issue where my case changed from IR2 to F11 two days after receiving my interview appointment, I was so confused that I even came here to seek help.
So I wrote the Embassy in Freetown requesting for a change and they replied asking for my Dad Naturalization Certificate which I sent to them and within two days they replied me that my case has been changed back to IR2, lol one day to the interview I noticed that my case was changed back to F11 again but my Dad told me not to worry myself everything will be fine.
 
My interview time was 8:30am but I got to embassy by 6AM 🕕 
Lol I thought I was going to be the first but I met people standing in queue. 
 
I saw people from different countries including my own country Liberia and most of them was transferred by the same woman too. By sharp 8am the officer asked us in and we went through some security screening, she checked on the list to see if we had interview appointments and yes my name was there.
 
We entered in the interview area and were seated 🪑 accordingly and this officer came asking me for my passport, police clearance, one passport photo, birth certificate and picture with my Dad and he told me to hold it and wait for my calling, in 5min time I was called to the first window and I gave the lady the documents the officer to me to hold in my hand, she checked in the computer and asked me if my dad is a US citizen and I said yes. 
She then asked me for Copy of his passport, I told her I don’t have but I have copy of his naturalization certificate and she said no problem and I saw her cycling IR2 on the form she was filling in. 
At that moment I knew I was save 😂
 
And she asked my to sit that my name will be called sooner, I watched people being interviewed by this young black American and she was so nice that I asked God to send me to her direction and luckily she was the one that called my name.
 
She told me to do my finger print first.
Now the interview started
I was trembling from my feet 😂
 
Interview questions 
 
1. Who’s petitioning for you?
2. When last you saw your dad? 
3. Are you married?
4. Do you have kids? 
5. Have you been out of Liberia for more than six months?
6. How did your father went America ?
7. Where does your father live ?
8. Have you been with your father in the united state before?
 
And after this she said everything seems fine, she said I will give you back your Birth certificate, police certificate, your dad naturalization certificate and I will keep your passport come back next week Thursday for your visa by 2pm.
 
God!!! 
I wanted to scream 😱 but remember I was in the Embassy 😂.
 
That week was the longest for me because I was to get my visa and leave sooner, so that week I was counting the days and finally it was Thursday the 8th of February 2024, I was at the embassy by 1pm and I met people again waiting lol 😂 
By 1:30pm we was asked in. 
I took with me my ID card and wrote down my case number too because we were asked to. 
And finally I was in and my time reach I give the lady my ID 🪪 and my case number and she came with my passport and said this is your Visa and you should travel to America 🇺🇸 before August 4,2024. I was so happy very excited 😆 
 
I left Freetown the next day to come to Liberia 🇱🇷.
 
Left my country on March 23, 2024 and reach on the 24 of march 2024
 
Thanks that’s my experience.
hope it helps 

As far as legalities and potentialities are concerned, you got great responses from @Boiler and @SalishSea, two members way more qualified to give them than myself. 
While you didn’t ask for advice, I am still going to take the liberty to ask a few questions/provide some perspective:
Have you considered what it will mean for M to be here in the States, unable to work, unable to drive (most likely, at least for a few weeks), and unable to leave the country in case of an emergency back in Europe?  Have you familiarized yourselves with how long AOS (and even EAD/AP) takes these days?  Have you discussed alternative routes, i.e. getting married and then filing I-130 with the goal to obtain a spousal visa?  The AOS limbo is often underestimated, especially by people who are used to having a routine (job, school, etc.) and having at least some independence (being able to get around -> driving, etc.). I have personally been through it when processing times were still somewhat bearable, and I wouldn’t do it again. Yes, long-distance relationships are difficult, and being “on hold” like that isn’t fun. However, AOS can put a real strain on y’all’s relationship, and while the short-term gain (yay, we can stay together in one place) may seem to outweigh the potential problems, it is worth considering them. 
As it seems right now (and I have no proof of that), USCIS seems to gear up to discourage AOS, which may mean even less resources will be provided for that part, and that may make the whole process even longer than it already is. Just something to consider. 
Unsolicited statement: if it were me, I would seriously consider getting married, getting all the forms for I-130 ready, and submit them once F has naturalized. Yes, it means long-distance for a while longer, but especially medium to long-term, it may pay off. 
Best of luck to both of you, and I hope your naturalization date comes soon! 

As far as legalities and potentialities are concerned, you got great responses from @Boiler and @SalishSea, two members way more qualified to give them than myself. 
While you didn’t ask for advice, I am still going to take the liberty to ask a few questions/provide some perspective:
Have you considered what it will mean for M to be here in the States, unable to work, unable to drive (most likely, at least for a few weeks), and unable to leave the country in case of an emergency back in Europe?  Have you familiarized yourselves with how long AOS (and even EAD/AP) takes these days?  Have you discussed alternative routes, i.e. getting married and then filing I-130 with the goal to obtain a spousal visa?  The AOS limbo is often underestimated, especially by people who are used to having a routine (job, school, etc.) and having at least some independence (being able to get around -> driving, etc.). I have personally been through it when processing times were still somewhat bearable, and I wouldn’t do it again. Yes, long-distance relationships are difficult, and being “on hold” like that isn’t fun. However, AOS can put a real strain on y’all’s relationship, and while the short-term gain (yay, we can stay together in one place) may seem to outweigh the potential problems, it is worth considering them. 
As it seems right now (and I have no proof of that), USCIS seems to gear up to discourage AOS, which may mean even less resources will be provided for that part, and that may make the whole process even longer than it already is. Just something to consider. 
Unsolicited statement: if it were me, I would seriously consider getting married, getting all the forms for I-130 ready, and submit them once F has naturalized. Yes, it means long-distance for a while longer, but especially medium to long-term, it may pay off. 
Best of luck to both of you, and I hope your naturalization date comes soon! 

As far as legalities and potentialities are concerned, you got great responses from @Boiler and @SalishSea, two members way more qualified to give them than myself. 
While you didn’t ask for advice, I am still going to take the liberty to ask a few questions/provide some perspective:
Have you considered what it will mean for M to be here in the States, unable to work, unable to drive (most likely, at least for a few weeks), and unable to leave the country in case of an emergency back in Europe?  Have you familiarized yourselves with how long AOS (and even EAD/AP) takes these days?  Have you discussed alternative routes, i.e. getting married and then filing I-130 with the goal to obtain a spousal visa?  The AOS limbo is often underestimated, especially by people who are used to having a routine (job, school, etc.) and having at least some independence (being able to get around -> driving, etc.). I have personally been through it when processing times were still somewhat bearable, and I wouldn’t do it again. Yes, long-distance relationships are difficult, and being “on hold” like that isn’t fun. However, AOS can put a real strain on y’all’s relationship, and while the short-term gain (yay, we can stay together in one place) may seem to outweigh the potential problems, it is worth considering them. 
As it seems right now (and I have no proof of that), USCIS seems to gear up to discourage AOS, which may mean even less resources will be provided for that part, and that may make the whole process even longer than it already is. Just something to consider. 
Unsolicited statement: if it were me, I would seriously consider getting married, getting all the forms for I-130 ready, and submit them once F has naturalized. Yes, it means long-distance for a while longer, but especially medium to long-term, it may pay off. 
Best of luck to both of you, and I hope your naturalization date comes soon! 

As far as legalities and potentialities are concerned, you got great responses from @Boiler and @SalishSea, two members way more qualified to give them than myself. 
While you didn’t ask for advice, I am still going to take the liberty to ask a few questions/provide some perspective:
Have you considered what it will mean for M to be here in the States, unable to work, unable to drive (most likely, at least for a few weeks), and unable to leave the country in case of an emergency back in Europe?  Have you familiarized yourselves with how long AOS (and even EAD/AP) takes these days?  Have you discussed alternative routes, i.e. getting married and then filing I-130 with the goal to obtain a spousal visa?  The AOS limbo is often underestimated, especially by people who are used to having a routine (job, school, etc.) and having at least some independence (being able to get around -> driving, etc.). I have personally been through it when processing times were still somewhat bearable, and I wouldn’t do it again. Yes, long-distance relationships are difficult, and being “on hold” like that isn’t fun. However, AOS can put a real strain on y’all’s relationship, and while the short-term gain (yay, we can stay together in one place) may seem to outweigh the potential problems, it is worth considering them. 
As it seems right now (and I have no proof of that), USCIS seems to gear up to discourage AOS, which may mean even less resources will be provided for that part, and that may make the whole process even longer than it already is. Just something to consider. 
Unsolicited statement: if it were me, I would seriously consider getting married, getting all the forms for I-130 ready, and submit them once F has naturalized. Yes, it means long-distance for a while longer, but especially medium to long-term, it may pay off. 
Best of luck to both of you, and I hope your naturalization date comes soon! 

As far as legalities and potentialities are concerned, you got great responses from @Boiler and @SalishSea, two members way more qualified to give them than myself. 
While you didn’t ask for advice, I am still going to take the liberty to ask a few questions/provide some perspective:
Have you considered what it will mean for M to be here in the States, unable to work, unable to drive (most likely, at least for a few weeks), and unable to leave the country in case of an emergency back in Europe?  Have you familiarized yourselves with how long AOS (and even EAD/AP) takes these days?  Have you discussed alternative routes, i.e. getting married and then filing I-130 with the goal to obtain a spousal visa?  The AOS limbo is often underestimated, especially by people who are used to having a routine (job, school, etc.) and having at least some independence (being able to get around -> driving, etc.). I have personally been through it when processing times were still somewhat bearable, and I wouldn’t do it again. Yes, long-distance relationships are difficult, and being “on hold” like that isn’t fun. However, AOS can put a real strain on y’all’s relationship, and while the short-term gain (yay, we can stay together in one place) may seem to outweigh the potential problems, it is worth considering them. 
As it seems right now (and I have no proof of that), USCIS seems to gear up to discourage AOS, which may mean even less resources will be provided for that part, and that may make the whole process even longer than it already is. Just something to consider. 
Unsolicited statement: if it were me, I would seriously consider getting married, getting all the forms for I-130 ready, and submit them once F has naturalized. Yes, it means long-distance for a while longer, but especially medium to long-term, it may pay off. 
Best of luck to both of you, and I hope your naturalization date comes soon! 

As far as legalities and potentialities are concerned, you got great responses from @Boiler and @SalishSea, two members way more qualified to give them than myself. 
While you didn’t ask for advice, I am still going to take the liberty to ask a few questions/provide some perspective:
Have you considered what it will mean for M to be here in the States, unable to work, unable to drive (most likely, at least for a few weeks), and unable to leave the country in case of an emergency back in Europe?  Have you familiarized yourselves with how long AOS (and even EAD/AP) takes these days?  Have you discussed alternative routes, i.e. getting married and then filing I-130 with the goal to obtain a spousal visa?  The AOS limbo is often underestimated, especially by people who are used to having a routine (job, school, etc.) and having at least some independence (being able to get around -> driving, etc.). I have personally been through it when processing times were still somewhat bearable, and I wouldn’t do it again. Yes, long-distance relationships are difficult, and being “on hold” like that isn’t fun. However, AOS can put a real strain on y’all’s relationship, and while the short-term gain (yay, we can stay together in one place) may seem to outweigh the potential problems, it is worth considering them. 
As it seems right now (and I have no proof of that), USCIS seems to gear up to discourage AOS, which may mean even less resources will be provided for that part, and that may make the whole process even longer than it already is. Just something to consider. 
Unsolicited statement: if it were me, I would seriously consider getting married, getting all the forms for I-130 ready, and submit them once F has naturalized. Yes, it means long-distance for a while longer, but especially medium to long-term, it may pay off. 
Best of luck to both of you, and I hope your naturalization date comes soon! 

A short notice job relocation would allow you to file direct with the local consulate.
 
From your comments you will need a Joint Sponsor to meet the financial requirements.
 
Have you had custody of the child for 2 years?

As far as legalities and potentialities are concerned, you got great responses from @Boiler and @SalishSea, two members way more qualified to give them than myself. 
While you didn’t ask for advice, I am still going to take the liberty to ask a few questions/provide some perspective:
Have you considered what it will mean for M to be here in the States, unable to work, unable to drive (most likely, at least for a few weeks), and unable to leave the country in case of an emergency back in Europe?  Have you familiarized yourselves with how long AOS (and even EAD/AP) takes these days?  Have you discussed alternative routes, i.e. getting married and then filing I-130 with the goal to obtain a spousal visa?  The AOS limbo is often underestimated, especially by people who are used to having a routine (job, school, etc.) and having at least some independence (being able to get around -> driving, etc.). I have personally been through it when processing times were still somewhat bearable, and I wouldn’t do it again. Yes, long-distance relationships are difficult, and being “on hold” like that isn’t fun. However, AOS can put a real strain on y’all’s relationship, and while the short-term gain (yay, we can stay together in one place) may seem to outweigh the potential problems, it is worth considering them. 
As it seems right now (and I have no proof of that), USCIS seems to gear up to discourage AOS, which may mean even less resources will be provided for that part, and that may make the whole process even longer than it already is. Just something to consider. 
Unsolicited statement: if it were me, I would seriously consider getting married, getting all the forms for I-130 ready, and submit them once F has naturalized. Yes, it means long-distance for a while longer, but especially medium to long-term, it may pay off. 
Best of luck to both of you, and I hope your naturalization date comes soon! 

I had an excel file where I listed my foreign travel. 
Also, if you don’t purge your email account regularly, you should be able to find at least most of the tickets/reservations/confirmations with dates. Use those. And if you’re not sure, give the best approximation you have. 

Great discussion! 
 
Except for cashier’s checks, we used a mix of all of the above. However, we only used a personal check once. The very first application we submitted made it to USCIS, and the check was cashed, but no case number or NOA1 was generated. We tried to resolve the issue, but - as we all know - USCIS is not always the most helpful place, so finally, after about four months of trying to get USCIS to move, we accepted that we lost the money and refiled, this time with a money order. (So, the beginning of our relationship with USCIS was rocky already: gaslighting and ghosting). Once credit cards became an option, we used those - for the same reasons mentioned by many posters before me: points and miles. We never had an issue with a credit card institute blocking the USCIS fee, but I believe I got an alert once where I had to login and approve the fee. Not sure anymore though. 
 

Permit
 
Usually new residents can for a while which varies by State. Some are more generous than others.

You should count 4 years and 1 day since you came back from your last trip that laster over 6 months.

I know you want more info on the K1 visa, but I’ll just second what others have said: my suggestion would be to get married and have him file for a spousal visa. We went the K1 route way back when K1 was actually a lot quicker than CR1, but in hindsight, we would never do this again. It felt like forever for us to get my work permit and advanced parole approved, but back in 2017, it “only” took us about five months. These wait times are a lot longer now. And that’s not even a green card yet. As suggested, I wouldn’t get hung up on the couple of months you *might* shave off with a K1; it really isn’t worth it. Marrying would be relatively easy for you guys assuming that, since he can’t leave the U.S., you are the one usually making the trip. Just have a court house wedding next time you visit, and then file the necessary paperwork. You can plan a reception with all of your family and friends once you have set up shop together. 
Should you still want to pursue the K1, it should be relatively straight forward. The guides on here are very helpful, and the necessary documents needed should be relatively easy to obtain for you in Switzerland (at least that was my experience). 
Best of luck! 

If I may add some information to what you've just written...
 
A visa (issued by the U.S. Dept. of State) is merely an authorization to show up / present yourself in front of a U.S. Immigration Officer (the CBP Officer – U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security) at a U.S. POE ("Point Of Entry") – might it be an airport or a land border POE.
 
The duration of the visa means that you can use (meaning to show up at a POE) at any time until its expiration. You can technically use it to present yourself at a POE on the very last day. For a B1/B2, it is generally 10 years.
 
The maximum duration allowed for your stay (as stamped on the passport) is left at the discretion of the CBP Officer, and ultimately decided upon entry (regardless of whether a visa mentions a maximum duration annoted as a remark by the Consular Agent who issued the visa – in the comments section). On the vast majority of the cases, people on a B1/B2 visa are granted a maximum stay of 6 months. This does not mean however that the visitor should stay that long, except for valid and legitimate reasons (how can a visitor indeed stay that long – this would demonstrate no ties in the home country, no job to go back to, and a stronger suspicion of immigrant intent).
 
In the case of OP @MLo, if your fiance intends to come back regularly to visit you on his B1/B2 visa while the I-130 and CR1 visa and processed, it would be wise to not stay up to full duration of 6 months, because it may potentially jeopardize the subsequent B1/B2 visits and bring suspicions upon himself.
 
I would advise 3-4 months, which should be enough for the wedding, spend quality time / honeymoon etc... assuming your fiance can take that much vacation and demonstrate he has the sufficient financial means.
 
Again, do not volunteer to provide more information than what the CBP Officer asks you. However, if asked how long he plans to stay, do not lie: be honest, factual, assertive with proof to back your plans (return ticket, events agenda, bank account balance etc...).

Stating that you are coming to the U.S. to marry a U.S. citizen will almost always bring scrutiny and unless the CBP Officer is easy that day, your fiance most likely will get additional questions. He needs to be prepared and convincing.
 
Good luck

Love the answers! Especially the creative ones  
OP, my I-485, first DL, etc. said 5’8” as that’s what I was measured at sometime back in Switzerland. Upon my first physical here, my height was given as 5’7”, and I have gone with that since. No one cares. Not USCIS, not the ATF, not the DMV. Don’t worry. 
And as for the weight issue, ha! I used to teach at the State Department, and most FSOs said that they usually lose around 10-20 pounds when they go abroad (there are exceptions in terms of countries) and gain them back when they come back to the U.S. 

I'd vote on becoming a Swedish citizen first and then moving to the US. You can have I-130 pending all this time.

I wanna believe USCIS officers have more urgent things to worry about.

No, I-130 is not needed if married within the 90 days.
 
However, with the case pending for 7 years, maybe the lawyer knows something we don’t.
 
If I were you I’d get a second and third opinion from reputable attorneys.

For GE, they have been trying to implement machines with full facial recognition for a while. They’re great when they work as you don’t have to scan docs, but there are still enough cases when they don’t. I have been abroad three times this year, and the first time, it was a huge mess. IAD had the new machines, but every single person was sent for “human inspection” because the machines didn’t work properly. The second time, also at IAD, it was only every 5th or so person, and I was (luckily) not one of them. The third time, in Montréal, it was a breeze and took only 10 seconds. 
Now, that doesn’t answer the actual question of it being possible with an extension letter. In theory, it should work though as people waiting for RoC are permanent residents and should be listed as such in the database used for GE. I hope somebody with an expired GC and an extension letter will try and report soon.